Barnesville Fire & EMS Receives Two State Grants
The Barnesville Fire & EMS has secured more than $60,000 in state funding for new equipment and gear.
In February, the department received a Small Community Fire Department Grant for $47,352.09. Funds from this grant will be used to purchase hose, hose appliances and extrication gear.
Under the terms of the grant, the department must first purchase the equipment and will then be reimbursed by the state.
Fire Chief Bob Froehlich Jr. said the department is working with several companies to determine the best options for the equipment.
While Froehlich hopes the equipment may be under contract within the next two weeks, the department has until May to complete the purchases.
In March, the department also received a $15,000 Equipment Grant from the state fire marshal.
Froehlich said the funding will be used to purchase thermal imaging cameras and additional hose and nozzles.
“Technology has moved past what we currently have, and thermal imaging cameras can be very vital during a fire operation,” Froehlich said.
The cameras allow firefighters to see inside a room even when it is completely dark or filled with smoke.
“It gives the firefighter the ability to see the heat and locate where the fire is coming from,” Froehlich said. “It helps us search for someone who may be down and helps us find ‘the seat of the fire’ so we know where to put the water.”
The department also plans to purchase wildland gear, specialized, lightweight, fire-resistant protective equipment designed for mobility and safety against extreme heat in rugged terrain. The gear is lighter than structural firefighting gear and causes less wear and tear, allowing it to last longer while also being less expensive.
Froehlich added that some newer equipment requires less pressure to operate, making it easier on firefighters while still delivering the same amount of water.
“We’re thankful for the state to consider us,” he said.
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